instrumentbyinstrument

Instrumentbyinstrument is a term used in musicology and archival practice to describe a documentation approach that treats each instrument as a discrete unit of study within a larger collection or project. The approach emphasizes presenting instruments individually rather than as generic categories, and it integrates construction details, sound characteristics, playing technique, historical context, and cultural significance.

The term is not tied to a single institution but has appeared in discussions of instrument documentation, cataloging, and digital archives. It is used by curators, ethnomusicologists, and instrument makers to create uniform, instrument-level records that can be cross-referenced across collections and platforms.

Methodology involves systematic data collection for each instrument: physical description; materials and construction; maker and provenance; technical specifications (acoustical properties, ranges, and timbres); performance practice; repertoire; and multimedia assets such as photographs, schematics, and audio/video recordings. Metadata standards may include instrument family, region, date, and cultural function. Entries often compare related variants to illustrate diversification within a tradition.

Applications include museum catalogs, online digital archives, educational resources, and research databases. The instrument-by-instrument format supports comparative studies, conservation planning, and accessible public education. Critics note that, without careful scope and clear metadata, the approach can result in fragmentation if inter-instrument relationships are not adequately documented.

See also: ethnomusicology, instrument cataloging, digital archives, musical instrument families.